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Pricing & Process 1. Planning For Live Music
Planning For Live Music Back To Top Planning For Live Music Planning a special event and coordinating all the details to make it 'just perfect' can often be a daunting task. This is especially true today, as there seems to be less and less time for planning, organizing and contracting all of the different services needed to make your affair a complete success. As part of the planning process, a good first step is to make a list separating the absolute 'essentials' for your affair from the less important 'wish list' items. Next, prioritize this list in order of importance to the success of the function and by how far in advance each item will typically need to be booked. The more advance notice you allow yourself, the easier it will be to book the top service providers. For example, although entertainment can sometimes be booked on short notice, it is very common for many top vendors to book their services a year or more in advance. This simple list will enable you to develop a manageable plan of attack and ensure that sufficient time is allowed for the most important aspects of any occasion being planned. Inevitably, musical entertainment will reside at or near the very top of the essentials list. It has been said that the venue gives an event its complexion and the music establishes the mood and pulse of the event. Little is as important as the musical entertainment, which defines the event and provides a lasting memorable experience for your guests. Haven't we all upon occasion recalled a distant special event by hearing a particular song that was played there or heard someone comment about a 'great band' years after the fact. The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Back To Top The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) is an international musicians union with 110,000 members and over 250 Locals in the United States and Canada. The AFM, founded in 1896, is an organization dedicated to furthering live music, professionalism and musician's rights in every area of the music business. AFM negotiates collective bargaining agreements and sets industry work standards, actively lobbies to promote legislation and protect musician's interests. AFM also provides several types of benefits, financial options and insurance to its membership. For persons purchasing live musical entertainment, the AFM Seal designates AFM membership and is a symbol of quality, and commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards in the live entertainment marketplace. To learn more about the AFM, or if you are interested in becoming a member, please visit: www.AFM.org The Entertainment Value of Live Music Back To Top When looking for special event entertainment, many people today are pleasantly surprised to find that live music is more affordable then they might have initially thought. The myth that DJ entertainment is always less expensive the live entertainment just doesn't hold true anymore. While live entertainment costs have held steady or even slightly declined over the past several years, there has been a fairly steady rise in the costs for DJ entertainment. It is true that with a DJ you will normally have less people to pay, but with the introduction of more elaborate sound systems, DJ teams, dancers, giveaway gimmicks and light shows, many DJs offer packages which are more expensive then hiring live musicians.Most importantly, there is a fundamental reason that DJs have had to improve their offerings and consequently increase their overall cost. DJ entertainment simply does not carry the overall 'entertainment value' of a live musical performance. This is an often overlooked but important point to consider when planning a special event. Here's why. At any special event, inevitably, your guests will be comprised of a 'mixed crowd' varying in, among other things, age, ethnicity, background as well as their desire to be reserved or outgoing. For some guests the music will spawn activity and they will spend the majority of their time on the dance floor. For others, who might have less of a desire to dance, live music provides an equally enjoyable concert or lounge-type atmosphere. The bottom line is that live entertainment is both a participatory activity and a spectator sport all rolled into one. This is the unequalled 'entertainment value' of live music. It is clearly demonstrated by the millions of people who attend concerts, symphonies, outdoor festivals, jazz clubs, night clubs to hear live entertainers perform each year. There is an inherent power and energy in live entertainment that captivates and appeals to the audience. So, when planning for your next event, be sure to check the prices and think about the overall 'entertainment value' you want to give your guests. Live entertainment is sure to make your special event a more memorable and satisfying experience for your guests. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Back To Top BookLiveMusic enables the users to contact musicians and groups that perform all types of music for all kinds of events. Below are some frequently asked questions pertaining to the hiring of live musical entertainers. If you have a question and do not see it below, please let us know at FAQ@BookLiveMusic.com and we will add your question and response to this list. How far in advance of the actual date should a group or solo performer be contracted? How do I know if particular musicians are available for the date in question? How much will the group or solo artist cost? Can I hear a soloist or group before signing a contract? How can I be sure the musician(s) won't back out at the last minute? What if I sign a contract and then find that I have to cancel my party or event? Is it customary to feed the band? Do I tip the musician or group? Should I pay for the musician or groups parking? Can I request a special code of dress for the musician or group? Factors Which Affect The Cost Of Live Music Back To Top The cost of live music will vary considerable depending upon many different factors, including day of the week, time of day, time of year, geographical location of your event, amount of time required for set-up and breakdown, how long the musicians will be playing, how many musicians you plan to hire, as well as and any special requirements you have for the live musical entertainment. Some of these factors are within your control and some you may have very little control over such as your geographical location and time of the year you are having your special event. However, it is important to have an understanding of these issues when planning and budgeting for your event. Therefore, each issue is discussed individually below. 1. Time of year 2. Day of the week 3. Time of the day 4. Location 5. Length of performance 6. Size of Group 7. Special Requirements How Much Does Live Music Cost? Back To Top Live music today is very cost competitive and provides an excellent 'entertainment value' for all special events. There are many 'factors which affect the cost of live music' that need to be considered when planning an event. However, some typical costs for live entertainment are summarized below:
Live Music Contract Back To Top There are many different formats for a contract with a musician or musical group. Most will have draft contracts available for you to review as you move towards finalizing your arrangement with the performer or group leader. Although these contracts may vary somewhat, the information contained in these agreements should include the following: 1) The type of event as well as the name and address of the venue that the performance will be held. 2) The date of the event as well as the time and duration of the engagement, including specifics as to when the entertainment should be ready to begin and end. 3) Name of musician or group to be performing along with specifics for the musician or group. This information might include the number of entertainers, type of instrumentation, number of vocalists as well as names of the individual entertainers in the group who will be performing. 4) Agreed upon compensation for musician or group. Compensation terms and conditions should be clearly defined including initial deposits, payment schedule, method of payment, payment for overtime, expense reimbursements and terms of payment in the event of cancellation or postponement of the engagement. 5) The agreement should have a section for additional or special provisions. This section should include special provisions which have been mutually agreed to including special songs to be played, MC responsibilities, dress code, meals, breaks and/or fill-in music to be played during breaks, additional equipment required, and/or any other special consideration your may need to make with the entertainer. Be sure to review the entire contract including any fine print. The contract should be written in language that can be easily understood by both parties. If you have any questions, discuss and clarify the items with the musician or group leader prior to entering into the agreement. This agreement will be the basis for resolution of any disagreement that may arise between yourself and the performer(s). Therefore it is very important that you understand and agree with the all of the information contained in the contract before executing it. When you are completely satisfied with all of the terms and conditions of the agreement both yourself and the musician or group leader will need to sign the contract to make it binding on both parties. Send mail to: webmaster@rainmaker-talent.com with questions or comments about this web site. |